Time-switch.



ILS. SINIS.y

v TIME swlTcH. APPLICATIONA FILED IAYVZQ. I9l5.

1,300,498. Patented Apr. 15,1919.

6 SHEETS-SHEET l.

H. s. SINES.

TIME swlTcH.

APPLICATION :FILED KAY 29. 1915.

1 ,300,498. Patented Apr. 15,1919.

5 SHEETS-SHEET 2.

H. s. slNes.

TIME SWITCH.

APPucATloN HLED MAY29.1915.

1,300,498. Patented/Apr. 15,1919.

s SHEETS-snm '3.

H. S. SINES.

TIME swlxcH. APPLICATION FILED MAY 29. 1915.

1,300,498. Patented Apr. 15,1919.

5 SHEETS-SHEET 4.

H. S. SINES.

TIME SWITCH.

APPLICATION FILED MAY 29, 1915.

Patented Apr. 15,1919.

5 SHEETS-SHEET 5.

UNITED STATES PATENT OFFICE.

HAROLD S. SINES, OF CHICAGO, ILLINOIS, ASSIGNOR TO MINERALLAC ELECTRICCOMPANY, OF CHICAGO, ILLINOIS, A CORPORATION OF ILLINOIS.

TIME-SWITCH.

Specication of Letters Patent.

Patented Apr. 15, 1919.

Application led May 29, 1915. Serial No. 31,120.

T o all whom t may concern v.

Be it known that I, HAROLD SiNEs, .a citizen of the United States,residing at Chicago, in the county lof CookV and State of Illinois, haveinvented certain new and useful Improvements in' Time-Switches, .ofwhich the following is a full, clear, concise, and exact description,referencebeing had to the accompanyingdrawings, forming a part of thisspecification. v

My invention relates to time switches, and particularly to that class ofswitches wherein a main spring is employed, suitable mechnism such as anelectric motor being connected with the spring to wind the same when thespring is unwound iii operating the clock and switch mechanism.

The device incorporated in this application is an improvement of thedevice d isclosed in my co-pending application, Serial No. 3,021, filedJanuary 19, 1915. In this prior application the meansfor operating theswitch mechanism and the clock mechanism comprised two main springsconnected so that when one is wound by the electric motor, the other onewill likewise be wound if the same is in unwound condition when theelectric motor is causedto operate. In the present invention I employ asingle coiled spring to take the place of the abovementioned pair ofsprings for operating both the clock mechanism and the switch mechanism.A decided advantage is obtained by employing one spring instead of two,in that when the sprino` is unwound, due to either the operation ofD theclock mechanism or the switch mechanism, the electric motor will becaused to operate and thus to again wind the spring. In a device where apair of springs is employed the electric motor is controlled wholly bythe position of one spring. Thus if the other spring is caused to unwindconsiderably faster than the first spring, said other spring may unwindto a position such as to be inoperative before 'the electric motor iscaused to again wind the same. Thus by combining both springs into one,and connecting the clock mechanism to one end thereof, and the switchmechanism to the other, I overcome the difiiculties encountered inconnection with the two-spring arrangement.

spring, the switch mechanism can operate regardless of whether or notthe main spring is being wound. t

To provide means for causing at all times a tension to be placed uponthe clock mechanism and the switch mechanism I provide dierential gearsbetween the main spring and the clock mechanism, causing an effectiveconnection to be made between the main spring and the clock mechanismwhether the electric motor is operating or not, as will hereinafter bedescribed.

Mechanism is also provided whereby the main spring is permitted tounwind for a period of from fifteen to eighteen hours if the electricmotor is not operated to wind the spring when the circuit controlling itis closed. As soon as the electric circuit, or

niotor, is again in condition to operate, the

main spring will be rewound to its starting position.

A further object of my invention is `the provision of an escapeinentmechanism whereby the switching devices may be caused at the exact timeto operate to control an electric circuit. Suitable means is employed inconnection with the escapement mechanism so that the said mechanism maybe caused to operate at any desired time to either open or close theelectric circuit with which the switching mechanism cooperates. A stillfurther object of my invention is the provision of a switch connectedwith the clock-controlled escapement mechanism above referred to. Theswitch comprises generally a sliding bar upon which are mounted aplurality of loosely mounted terminals adapted when moved to operatingposition to engage a corresponding number of stationary terminals. Thesestationary terminals are connected with the electric circuit which is tobe controlled by the switch mechanism. a Interposed between the slidingbar of the switch mechanism and a rod connected with theclock-controlled esposition.

capement, a pair of springs is provided which are arranged to assumeositions Such that the sliding bar is held eitlier in operating orinoperating position-that is, in a position such that the switch will beclosed or opened. As is well known in the art, it is desirable to haveswitches of this kind operate rapidly so that the circuit is opened orclosed at the desired instant. Since the clock mechanism is operated ata comparatively slow rate of speed, means mustbe provided for moving theswitching mechanism into one position or the other comparatively rapidlywhen the desired time arrives. With this end in view I provide a pair ofsprings, as above referred to, which are moved slowly either above orbelow a dead center line. In moving toward the dead center line thesprings are compressed and as soon as the line is passed the powerstored in the springs uickly moves the sliding bar into the position toclose or open the switching mechamsm.

For currents of comparatively high amperage I provide a switchconstructed substantially like the device mentioned in the aboveparagraph which is provided with phosphor bronze blades or connectors.This modiiied construction may be arranged to be submerged in oil, aswill more clearly be brought out in the following description:

A still further object of .my invention is to produce a switching devicein connection with the main spring for closing a circuit to operate theelectric motor when the main spring has been unwound to a predeterminedThe spring is in the form of a spring band having one end fixed to theframework of the clock mechanism, the other end being mounted on anoscillating shaft, the length of the spring being greater than theAdistance interposed between the oscillating shaft and the point at whichthe spring is mounted on the casing. By means of this arrangement thespring cannot assume a straight line position, and will assume an arceither on one side of a straight line connecting the oscillating shaftand the point at which the spring is mounted to the casing or assume anarc on the other side of said line. The spring carries a contact pointAarranged to coperate with a second contact point carried by the clockcasing when the spring is moved to one of the above-mentioned positions,thus closing an electric circuit which operates the electric motor. Whenthe spring has been wound, the oscillating shaft above referred to isgiven a slight turn to cause the spring to assume the other position soas to separate the contact carried by it and the one carried by thecasing, thereby interrupting or breakingqthe electric circult for theelectric motor.

hese and further objects of my invention will be more clearly broughtout in the fol- Fig. 3 is a front view o f the clock mechal nism, theupper plate being removed. This view is taken along the line 3, 3 ofFig. 2 looking in the direction indicated by the arrow;

Fig. 4 is a front view of the clock mechanism, the first and secondplates being removed. This view is taken along the line 4, 4 of Fig. 2;Fig. 5 is a detail view of the escapement mechanism employed for causingthe switching mechanism to be operated at the desired time. This view istaken along the line 5, 5 of Fig. 2;

Fig. 6 is an enlarged detail cross-sectional view of the main spring,the differential gears and the mechanism employed for operating themotor switch;

Fig. 7 is a perspective View of the main spring drum and thedifferential gearing' mounted adjacent thereto for facilitatingconnection between the main spring and the clock mechanism. This view istaken along the line 7 7 of Fig. 6 looking in the direction indicated bythe arrows;

Fig. 8 is a fragmentary front elevational view of the switchingmechanism, the mechanism in this view being shown in its closedposition;

Fig. 9 is a. detail sectional View of the manually-controlled settingdevices for causing the escapement mechanism to operate at the desiredtime;

Fig. 10 is a view similar .to Fig. 6 of a modified form of devices forcontrolling the switch mechanism for controlling the electric motor forwinding the main spring.

Fig. 13 is a fragmentary front elevational I the sprin view of themodified switch mechanism, some of the parts being broken away to moreclearly reveal the construction;

Fig. 14 is avertical cross sectional view taken along the line 14-14 ofFig. 13, and looking in the direction indicated by the arrows, and

Fig. 15 is al diagrammatic isometric view of the escapement mechanismshown in Fig. 5 and its coperating mechanism.

A Similar characters of reference refer to similar parts throughout theseveral views.

Referring to Fig. 1, 13 illustrates a supporting plate upon which ismounted by means of studs 14, 14 the plates 15, 16 and 17. These pla-tesare positioned by suitable posts illustrated at 18, 18. Supported by theplate 13 is an electric motor 19 provided with a worm 20 meshing' with aworm wheel 214 mounted upon the shaft 22. The shaft 22 is journaledv inthe plates 15 and 17, as illustrated, and is provided with a pinion at23 meshing with a gear 24 mounted-upon vthe shaft v25 journaled in theplates 15 and `16. A pinion` 26 secured to the gear 24 meshes with agear 27 mounted upon the main spring shaft 28 most clearly illustratedin Fig. 6.4 This main spring shaft or spindle -is rigidly connectedwith' a gearforming one of the gears of the differential Iabove referredto.. Rotatably mounted upon the shaft 28 is a threaded sleeve 30 whichis connected to the inner end of the coiled spring 31. This spring 31,as willbe hereirrafter described, when in wound position serves tooperate the clock mechanism and the switching mechanism. The outer endof is connected'to the -drum 32 as illustrate The -sleeve- 30 isprovidedwith external threads, as illustrated, arranged to coperate withan internally threaded ring 33 provided with a bore into which extends apin 34 carried by the drum 32. VFrom the description thus far given, itwill readily be seen that as the drum 32 is rotated, move- `ment isimparted to the ring 33 which, due to the threads carried by it and thecollarl 30,l will cause the ring to move laterally either away from ortoward the drum 32. The collar 30 carries a gear illustrated at 35which, -as will be described, is connected with the main switchingdevices. Meshingv with the gear 29 which is fast on the shaft 28 is apinion 36 mounted upon a stud 37 carried by the drum 32 and a plate 38which is spaced from the drum 32 by means of three posts illustrated at39', 39. Meshing with thepinion 36 is a second pinion 39, which in 'turncoperates with a gear 40 similar to the gear 29. This gear 40 is looselymounted on the shaft 28 and is rigidly connected with the ear wheel 41.

Te gear wheel 41, as most clearly illustrated in Fig. 3, is connected bymeans of the train of gearing 42, 43, 44, 45, 46, 47

and 48 with the escapement mechanism illustrated at 49. 47 illustrates acrown wheel .which meshes with the pinion 48, whose axis is disposed atright angles to the axis of the crown wheel 47. The gears 42 and 43 arefixed to the spindle 49 which extends outwardly and has mounted thereonat its outer end the minute hand 50. A pinion 51 is mounted on thespindle 49 and connects with the gear 52 by virtue of the gears 53 and54, which is connected to the hour hand illustrated at 55. The pinion54, as illustrated, meshes with the gear 52 and also meshes with asetting gear 56 graduated, as illustrated, into twenty-four hours. Thisgear `is fixed toa shaft rotatably mounted in the frame and, whichisthreaded, as most clearly illustrated in Fig. 9, to coperate with theknurled nut 58 adapted when moved to thel position illustrated to clampthe fingers 59 and 60. These fingers are loosely mounted upon the shaft57 so that by loosening the knurled nut 58 the said lingers may be setto any desired position and held there when the -nut is caused to clampthe same. Each of the lingers 59 and 60 is'arranged when rotated by thegear 56 to' engage a trip finger '61 mounted on the shaft 62. This triping the plates 15 and 16, and adisk 66 between the plates 16 and 17.This disk 66 is con'- nected with a rod 67 by means ofthe pin 68, saidrod extending downwardly as illustrated in Fig. l to connect with thesliding bar or plate of `the switching device. `The gear 63 meshes witha pinion 69 mounted upon the shaft 70, which carries a onetoothed disk71, psitioned immediately adjacent and in the same vertical plane `asthe cam 65 mounted on the shaft 64. Carried by the pinion 69 is aratchet wheel 71 cooperating with the pawl 72 held in operating positionby the spring 73. This pawl is mounted upon a gear wheel 74 which isloosely carried by the shaft 70. The gear 74, as illustrated, isconnected to a fan 75 by means of suitable gearing. Pivoted to the plate16 at 76 is the escapement arm 77 held in the position illustrated inFig. 5 by means of the spring 78 having one end attached to the free endof the arm and its other end attached to the plate 16. The arm 77 isprovided with a pin 79 arranged to rest upon the cam wheel 65 and -apair of stops 80 and 81 positioned above and below the one-toothed disk71. The upper stop 80 is arranged to assume a position in the pat-h ofthe tooth carried by the disk 71 when the arm is moved to the positionillustrated in Fig. 5 and When the arm 77 is moved upwardly, as will bedescribed, the catch 80 is moved out of the path of the tooth carriedbythe disk and the catch 81 moved upwardly into the path of the same.

The ring 33 is provided with a number of peripheral grooves- 82 intowhich extend the the teeth carried by a pinion 83 mounted upon a shaft84, which in turn is journa-led in the supports 85 and 86 carriedbetween the plates 15 and 16. The shaft 84, as most clearly illustratedin Fig. 4, has rigidly xed thereon a disk 87 which is connected to aspring switch 88. The lower end of this spring is held by means of apost 89 carried by the plate 16. The length of the sprmg 88 is greaterthan the distance interposed between the shaft 84 and the post 89, sothat the spring will assume the position of an arc, most clearlyillustrated in Figs. 2 and 12, on one side. of a straight lineconnecting the shaft 84 with the post 89. A contact point is mounted at90' upon the spring 88 and is arranged to coperate with a second contactpoint 91 carried by the plate 16. It will readily be seen that as thering 33 is moved from the drum to the position illustrated in Fig. 2,the gear 83 will be given a counterclockwise rotation (Fig. 2), whichimparts a similar rotation to the disk 87, causing the upper end of thespring 88 to assume a position on the right side of aline connecting thepost 89 with the shaft 84. lThis shifting of the upper end of the spring88 causes the spring to bulge toward the supporting plate 13,therebyseparating the contacts 90 and 91. Now, if the ring 33 is movedfrom the position illustrated in Fig. 2, to a position near the mainspring drum, the gear 83 and thus the disk 87 will be given a rotationin a clockwise direction, thereby shifting the upper end of the spring89 in a position such that the spring will bulge outwardly to therebycause the contacts 90 and 91 to coperate or engage to effect the circuitfor controlling or operating the electric motor.

The rod 67, which is connected to the disk 66, extends downwardly and ispivoted at 92 to the arms 93 and 94. The outer end of the rod 93 isprovided with a slot where it is posed between the lower end of the rod67 and the posts 96 and 105. The plate 97 carries a plurality of arms108, each of which carries an insulating collar 109 provided with acentral bore, into which extends a self-adjusting terminal 110. Theremay be any number of these terminals employed in connection with theswitching mechanism. I have illustrated six of such terminals, threepositioned in front of the posts 100, 101 and 102, and three in the rearof the same. Interposed between each of the enlarged or lower' end 0fthe terminals 110 and its cooperating insulating collar is a spring 111to normally hold the terminals in the positions illustrated in Figs. 1and 2. Corresponding terminalsmay be connected by means of conductors112. Positioned directly beneath each of the terminals 110 is astationary terminal 113 mounted upon insulation and terminating at 114in a binding post to facilitate connection of the circuit which is to becontrolled by the switching mechanism.

The operation of the device is as follows:

Let us assume that the main spring is'in wound condition. rl`he motor 19will, therefore, be stationary or in a non-operating the drum 32 isrotated in the direction indi- .to the clock mechanism and the usualescapement mechanism, the time-indicating devices will be operated in amanner well known in the art.

Now, let us assume that the inger 59 'carried by the setting disk 56 iscaused to engage the tri finger 61 mounted upon the shaft 62. histripping of the finger 61 will cause the shaft 62 to oscillate in acounter-clockwise direction, as illustrated in Figs. 1 and 3. The shaft62 carries a bifurcated arm 115, into which extends a pin 116 carried bthe escapement arm 77. As the shaft 62 1s therefore oscillated, the pin116 is lifted, thereby causing the catch 80 to be moved upwardly out ofthe path of the tooth carried by the disk 71 and the catch 81 to bemoved into the path of the same. As the disk 71 is, therefore, releasedby the catch 80, the gear 35 will be caused to rotate in a directionindicated at c in Fig. 2, to cause thegear 63 meshing therewith to movein the direction` indicated in Fig. 4. Movement of the gear 63, ofcourse, causes movement of the disk 71 due to the pinion 69 the toothcarried 'by the disk 71 to move 180 degrees about the shaft 70, where itis stopped by the catch 81. The gear 63, and therefore the shaft 64, isallowed a .slight rotation, but this rotation is not sufficient to liftthe arm 67 any appreciable degree. At any rate, it is not liftedsufficiently to cause the switching mechanism to be operated. As thefinger 59 is moved by the disk 56 sufficiently to disengage the tripfinger 61, the .shaft 62 will be rot-ated to 1ts normal position due tothe spring 78 acting upon the.

escapement arm 77. This return of the escapement arm 77 to its normalposition disengages the catch 81 from the tooth of the disk 71 andpermits the disk to continue in its rotation. The gear ratio between thegear 63 and the pinion 69 is one to six,- so that the gear 63 willrotate 180 degrees When the pinion rotates three times. As has beendescribed, the cam 65 is provided withfour cam surfaces 117, 1171, 117and 1174. Due to the ratio of six to one between the shafts ,70 and 64,one rotation of the shaft will cause the cam surface 117d to coperateWith the pin 79. This coperation, therefore, of the cam surface and thepin 79 causes the escapement arm 77 to be lifted to cause the catch 80to bemoved out gf the path of the tooth carried by the rotating disk 71.I/Vhen the disk 71 has again completed one revolution, the cam surface117c will be rbrought, int-o engagement with the pin 79 and thus againmove the catch 80 away from the disk. After this 180 degrees movement ofthe shaft 64 has been eHect-ed, the point shown at 118 of the cam 65will be moved adjacent the pin 79 and thus permit the catch 80 to bemoved by the spring 78 into the path of the tooth carried by the disk71.

This movement of the shaft 64 causes the disk 66 and thus the arm 67 tobe moved from the posit-ion illustrated in Figs. 1 and 2 to the positionillustrated in Fig. 8. As the disk 66 is rotated, the arm 67 is movedupwardly, thus causing tension to be placed o upon the springs 106 and107, which is released as soon as the point 92 is moved past the centerline-that is a line connecting the points 95 and 10-1. The springs 106and 107 will then relaX and move the switching plate 97 and theterminals carried thereby to the position illustrated in Fig. 8.

In order to prevent too rapid movement of the disk 66 and thus the arm67 carried thereby, I provide a fan illustrated at 75, as has beendescribed. Since the rotation of the shaft 70 is suddenly stopped, Ihave found it advisable to employ mechanism to permit the fan gears tocontinue in their rotat-ion until the inertia supplied to the gears hasbeen utilized, thus relieving any strain which would be placed upon themechanism if the fan gearing were suddenly stopped in a man ner similarto the disk 71. The gear Wheel 74 is, therefore, loosely mounted on theshaft 70 and is arranged to be connected with the ratchet 71 by the'pawl 72. Rotation of the disk 71 in the direction indicated in Fig. 4will, therefore, cause a rotary motion to be transmitted to the fan 75.-As soon as the rotation of theedisk 71 is stopped by meansof the catch80 carried by the escapement arm 77 the ratchet wheel 71 will, ofcourse, also be stopped. The inertia which is taken up by the gear 74causes the same to continue in'its rotation to operate the fanuntil theinertia has been expended.

After the drum 32 has been unwound a predetermined amount the ring 33with which it is connected byv means of a pm 34 will be rotated a.registering amount, and due to the threaded engagement between this ring33 and the collar 30 the ring will be moved toward the drum 32. Rotationof the gear 35 to operate the switching mechanism will rotate thecolla-r 30 in a direction indicated by the arrow o in Fig'. 2, and thusmoveV to effect engagement between the cont-actv points 90 and 91. TheseContact points form part of the electric circuit 91 for the motor sothat when the same are closed an electric circuit will be provided whichcauses the electric motor 19 to operate to wind the main spring 31situated within the drum 32. In this winding operation the gear 27,which is driven from the electric motor, is rotated in f a directionindicated by the arrow cl in Fig.

6. As the gear 27 is securely fixed to the shaft 28 the gear 29 will becaused to rota-te in a similar direction. Rotation of the gear 29l istransmitted to the differential pinions 36 and 39. As the gear 39 isrotated there will be a tendency to rotate the gear 40 which carries thegear 41 meshing with or driving the clock train. It will readily beseen, therefore, that a tension is always placed upon the gear 41 todrive the clock train Whether the electric motor is operating to windthe main spring or whether it is stationary. The movement of the gear 40is comparatively slow so that it may be considered as stationary.Therefore, as the gear 39 is rotated the teeth thereof will mesh withthe teeth 40 to cause the drum to revolve in a direction opposite to thedirection indi-cated at a in Fig. 2, thus winding the main spring 31. Asthe drum is thus rotated in a reverse direction the ring 33 willlikewise be rotated and moved due to the threads carried by the collar30 away from the drum 32. The rotation of the drum 32 in this reversedirection is continued until the ring 33 travels inwardly a distancesuflicient to cause the disk 87 to move the upper end of the spring 88to a position where the contact points 90 and 91 will be separated. Thisseparation of the contact points will break the electric circuit for themotor 19, and thus cause operation of the same to be interrupted. Itwill be readily seen, therefore, that tension is alwaysplaced upon thegears 35 and 41 whether the motor 19 is operating lor Whether it isstationary. Due to the gears Y train.

If for any reason the motor is not operated as soon as the contacts 90and 91 are closed the arrangement of the various parts is such that thedrum 32 maycontinue in its unwinding rotation until the motor is causedto again restore the energy lost by the spring 31.

In Figs. 10, 11, and 12, I have illustrated a modified arrangement toclose an electric circuitJ when the main spring has been un-A l wound apredetermined amount.

Referring to Fig. 10, 27a illustrates a gear corres onding to the gear27 shown in Fig. 6, an is connected with the electric motor. Fixed tothe gear 27a is a shaft 28a pinned to the gear 29a of the differentialgears. One of the differential pinions is illustrated at 36a, the yotherone of which, in a manner similar to that illustrated in connection withFig. 6, meshes with the gear 40a which carries the gear 41a connectedwith the clock train. A drum is shown at 32a which is connected with theouter end of a coiled spring 31a having its inner end connected to thecollar 30a forming a part of the gear 35, The gear 35a is connected withthe switching mechanism. The collar 30a, as most clearly shown in Fig.11, is recessed at its upper portion and there provided with a tooth 200meshing with a Geneva gear 201 pivoted at 202 to the drum 32a. ThisGeneva gear is provided at 203 with an enlarged portion which ermits arestricted movement of the gear. arried by the Geneva gear 201 is a pin204 extending inwardly, as illustrated in Fig. 10, to engage an arm 305carried on the shaft 206 running parallelkwith the shaft 28a. Theshaft'206 extends forwardly and is .provided with a second arm 207 whichis an larly displaced relative to -the arm 205.` his arm 207 is arrangedto extend inwardly toward the shaft 28a to be engaged by a pin 208carried by the outer Side of the drum 32, A'disk 209 is mounted 211 and212.

with the drum 32a in this direction causes the Geneva 210. The lower endof the spring is secured to the casing at 213.

The operation of the devices illustrated in v Figs. 10 to 12, inclusive,is as follows:

Assuming that the spring 31a is in wound condition, the drum 32a will berotated in the l direction indicated by the arrow e in Fi .12 torotate'V the gear 41a and thus the c ook train. As the drum 32Il is thusrotated the pin 208 will travel about the shaft 28a until it reaches thearm 207 extending inwardly from the shaft 206 where it will trip saidarm upwardly to close the contact points As these contact points con-ltrol the electric motor for rewinding the main spring 31a the motor willbe caused tov operate the gear 27a, and thus effect rewinding of thespring. If now, for some reason, the circuit is not in condition tooperate the motor when the contact points 211 and -212 are closed thespring will, of course, not be rewound and the drum will continue in itsrotation to unwind the main spring. This unwinding of the spring willcontinue until the Geneva gear assumes the position illustrated in Fig.11, where, due to the enlarged portion 203, it will be prevented fromfurther rotation and thus stop the entire mechanism until the electriccircuit for controlling the motor is restored. As soon as the electricmotor is caused to operate, how ever, the drum is caused to turn in adirection indicated by the arrow f due to its connection, by means of adiferential gearing, ear 27a. Each revolution of the gear to makeone-fifth of a turn in the direction indicated by the arrow g, causingthe pin 204 to rotate about the pivoted point 202. After the drum hasbeen rotated an amount sulicient to rewind the spring 31a to its normalcondition the pin 204 will'assume aposition directly in the path of thearm 205, which has been moved into the path of the pin 204 by theengagement of the pin 208 with thearm 2 07, to cause the arm 205 to bemoved downwardly out ofthe path of the pin 204. This movement of the arm205 will oscillate the shaft 206 to again bring the arm 207 intooperating position and to again separate the contacts 211 and 212 tointerrupt the circuit for the electric motor.

When the switching mechanism with which the gear 35a is connected isoperated the collar 30u will be rotated in a direction indicated at L,thereby causingthe pin 204.

the pin 204 will beset back this pre-deter- `in Figs. 13 and 14: Thecasing is illustrated at 13lcarrying an oil tight chamber 300 in whichis'disposed the switching mechanism.

The operating member 67* is similar in all respects to the operatingmember 67 illus- -trated in Fig. 1, and is controlled by the clockmechanism. The lower end of the member 67* is connected at 301 to armsor links 302 and 303 around which are disposed compression springs l304.and 305.'. They spring'304 is interposed between the lower end of therod 67* and the upper end of the post 306. The spring 305 is interposedbetween the' lower end of the rod 67 and the upper end of the post 307.The posts306 and 307 are attached to a sliding bar or plate 308 whichhas sliding engagement with a pair of `guide posts 309. Carried -by thebar 308b`y means of screws 310-310, is a plurality of connectors orblades 311-311. Each of the connectors 311 is insulated at 312 from thebar 308. nectors 311 is preferably laminated and made up of phosphorbronze sheets, as most clearly illustrated in Fig. 14. Each of theconnectors coperates with a pair of tapered copper contacts 31H13, theinner faces of which are arranged to be engaged by the faces of theconnector. `The copper'contacts 313 extend downwardly. through thecasing 13 and are insulated therefrom. Terminal pieces 314-314 areprovided to facilitate connection to the copper contacts.

As most clearly illustrated in Fig.. 14, the upper phosphor bronzestrips of each bladeor connector are slightly larger than the` spaceinterposed between the copper contacts at that point. By means `of thisconstruction I secure .a positive contact between all of the phosphorbronze strips and the contacts.

To prevent sparking between the connector 311 and contacts 313 when thelconnector is moved to disengage the contacts I provide a springconductor 315 for each of the i connectors, The outer end of feach ofthe springs 315 is provided with a contact piece 316 arranged when theswitch is closed to. engage the outer face of the copper contacts.

The operation of the device illustrated in Fi 13 and 14 is as follows: g

st the desired instant the operating member 67a is moved downwardly tocause opening of the switching devices. This downward movement of themember 67a causes the links 304 and 305 to slide into the upper ends ofthe posts 306 and 307 due to the slots carried by the links and alsocauses tension to be placed upon the springs 304 and 305. As soon as thepoint 301 is moved below a Each of the conline connecting the-points atwhich the links are pivoted to the posts, the springs 304 and '305 willrelax to move the posts, and thus the bar 308, upwardly to break theelectric circuit. In breaking the electric circuit the connectors orblades 311 are caused to leave the faces of the copper contacts 313ahead of the contacts 316 carried by the spring 315,

the tension of the spring 315` holding the contacts 316 into engagementwith the contacts 313 until the connector 311 has been moved away fromthe copper contacts. A

circuit is completed between the contacts 313 by means of the spring315- therefor until the-connector 313 has been moved to a position wherearcing -will no longer occur.l

At 320 YI have illustrated oil which may be inserted in the chamber 300to insulate the various parts.

What I claim as new and desire to secure by :Letters Patent' of theUnited States is:

1. In a clock, the combination of a main spring, time-indicating devicesdriven thereby, means for winding thes ring, and differential gearinginterpose between said spring, time-indicating devices and windingmeans. I

2. In a clock, the combination of a main spring, time-indicating devicesdriven thereby, means for winding the spring comprising an electricmotor, electric switching mechanism whose operation depends on the ingan electric motor, switching mechanism whose operation depends on thecondition of the main' sprlng for. controlling the opera- .tion of themotor, differential gearing interposed between said spring,time-indicating devices andmotor, and va driven member connected with'the end of the spring opposite the time indicating devices.V 1

5. In a clock, the combination of a main springtime-indicating devicesdriven thereby, means for winding the spring comprising an electricmotor, differential gearing `interposed between 'said spring,time-indicating devices and motor, an electric circuit for the motor', aswitch disposed insaid circuit, and mechanism. controlled by the springfor opera-ting the switch.

6. In a clock, the combination of a main spring, time-indicating devicesdriven thereby, means for winding the spring compris` ing an electricmotor, differential gearing interposed between said spring,time-indicating devices and motor, an electric circuit for the motor, aswitch disposed in said circuit, mechanism controlled 'by the spring foroperating the switch, and-fa driven member connected with the endofjthespring opposite the time-indicating devices.

7. In a clock, the combination of a main spring, time-indicating devicesdriven thereby, means for winding-thel spring comprising an electricmotor, differential gearing interposed between said spring,time-indicating devices and motor, a driven member connected with theend of the spring-opposite the time-indicating devices, an electriccircuit for the motor, a switch disposed in said circuit, and mechanismcontrolled by the spring and the driven member for operating the switch.

8. A self-winding clock comprising a main spring, a drum secured to theouter' end of the spring, a. driven shaft fixed to the inner endthereof, time-indicating devices, spring-winding means comprising anelectric motor, dierential gearing interposed between the drum,time-indicating devices and motor, an electric circuit for the motor, aswitch disposed in said circuit, and mechanism controlled by the springfor operating the switch. n I

9. A self-winding clock comprising a main spring, a drum secured to theouter end of the spring, a driven shaft fixed to the inner end thereof,time-indicating devices, spring-winding means comprising an electricmotor, differential gearing interposed between the drum, time-indicatingdevices and motor, an electric circuit for the motor, a switch disposedin said circuit, and mechanism having threaded engagement with thedriven shaft and fixed angularly relativeto the drum for voperating theswitch.

10. A self-winding clock comprising a main spring, a drum secured to theouter end of the spring, a driven shaft fixed to the inner end thereof,time-indicating devices, winding means for the spring comprising anelectric motor, differential gearing interposed between the drum,time-indicating devices and motor, an electric circuit for the motor, aswitch disposed in said circuit, a peripherally grooved ring havingthreaded engagement with the driven shaft and fixed angularly relativeto the drum, and a pinion coperating with the grooved ring for operatinthe switch.

11. n a clock, the combination of a main spring, time-indicating devicesdriven thereby, means for winding the spring comprising an electricmotor, differential gearing interposed between said spring, time-indianda contact carried by the strip arranged to engage a stationary contactcarried by the clock casing. I

12. In a clock, the combination of a main spring, time-indicatingdevices driven thereby, means for winding the spring comprising anelectric motor, switching mechanism whose operation depends on thecondition of the main spring for controlling the operation of the motor,differential gearing interposed between said spring, time-indieatingdevices and motor, said switching mechanism comprising an oscillatingmember, a spring strip having one end fixed to the member and the otherend fixed to the clock casing, thev length of the spring being greaterthan the distance interposed between its fixed ends, and a contactcarried bv the' vices and motor, an electric circuit for the motor, aswitch disposed in said circuit, a peripherally grooved ring havingthreaded engagement with thel driven shaft and fixed angularly relativeto the drum, a pinion cooperating with the grooved ring for operatingthe switch, said switch comprising an oscillating member, a spring striphaving one end fixed to the member and the other end lixed to the clockcasing, the length of the spring being greater than the distanceinterposed between its fixed ends, and a contact carried by the striparranged to engage a stationary contact `carried by the clock casing.

14. A clock comprising a main spring, time-indicating devices connectedto one end thereof, a member connected to the other end of the springand driven thereby, and means for winding the spring without relievingthe tension of the spring on either the timeindicating devices or thedriven member.

15. A clock comprising a main spring, time-indicating devices connectedto one end of the spring, a member connected to the other end thereofand driven thereby, and means for winding the end of the springconnected with the time-indicating devices,

and for placing tension on the time-indicating devices While the mainspring is being Wound.

16. A clock comprising a main spring, a driven member connected to oneend4 of the spring, a second driven member connected to the other endthereof, and means for Winding one end 'of the spring, and for placingtension on the driven member normally connected With the Winding end ofthe spring While the same is being Wound.

17. In a clock the combination of a coil spring, a driven memberconnected With one end of the spring, differential gearing, a seconddriven member connected With the other end of the spring through thedifferential gearing, and means for operating the differential gearingto wind the main spring Without relievin tension from either one of thedriven mem rs.

18. In a clock the combination of a coil spring, a driven memberconnected with one end of the spring, differential gearing, a seconddriven member connected With the other end of the spring through thedinerential gearing, an electric motor for operating the differentialgear to Wind the main spring Without relievin tension from either one ofthe driven mem ers, and electric switching mechanism whose operationdepends on the condition of the-spring for controlling the operation oflthe motor.

19. A clock comprising a coil spring, a driven member connected Vwithone end thereof, a second driven member connected with the other e'ndthereof, and means for Winding the spring Without relieving tension oneither one of the driven members.

20. A clock comprising a coil spring, a driven member connected at oneend of the spring, and means connected at the said end of' the springfor Winding the same Without relieving tensionbn the driven member.

v 21. A clock comprising in combination a coil spring, differentialgearing, a driven member connected with' one end of the spring throughthe diferential gearing, and means for operating the differentialgearing to Wind the spring Without relieving tension on the drivenmember.

22. In a clock the combination of a coil driving spring, dierentialgearing connected with one end of the spring for winding the same, andmechanism connected with the dierential gearing arranged to receiveenergy `from the differential gearin when the gearing is operated AtoWind t e said spring. In witness whereof, I hereunto subscribe my namethis 19th day of May, A. D. 1915.

HAROLD S. SlNES.

Witnesses:

J. VAN BUsxmx, y S. S. Com.

